Linguists who analyze glossolalia (speaking in tongues) generally conclude that in many cases it does not fully meet the characteristics of human language.[1] Critics sometimes use this finding to dismiss tongues completely. In contrast, an examination of what constitutes spiritual information can help us affirm tongues as Spirit-enabled communication.

Languages?

On the day of Pentecost, the message of speaking in tongues was clearly understood “because each [bystander] was hearing them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6). Such an occurrence is known as xenollalia. For many, however, tongues does not come forth in a known human language.

When Paul teaches on speaking in “tongues” in 1 Corinthians 14, English Bibles sometimes translate “tongues” as “languages.” Nevertheless, many Pentecostals pray in tongues in private and consider this a heavenly language, or “private prayer language,” that is distinct from human language and its characteristics. However, many are used to thinking about tongues in the framework of human languages.[2]

Non-Language Communication

Human language is only one way to convey information. In the theory of communications, information is encoded, transmitted, and then decoded.[3] Morse code is a well-known example of encoding.[4] Here a message, consisting of letters, digits, and other symbols, is encoded into dots and dashes. This code is not confined to messages in text and could be used to transmit other information such as telephone numbers or a sequence of digits representing a digital music file.

Viewing tongues as an encoding of spiritual information can free us from the constraints of human language (as in Acts 2). Tongues might be an encoding like Morse code, which is more basic than a human language. But, this does not limit the types of information it can be used to convey.

“ Tongues might be an encoding like Morse code, which is more basic than a human language. —STEPHEN SHEW

Spiritual Communication

The scope of spiritual communication includes non-language forms. God’s wordless communication to man includes Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2), which was a silent movie, and signs in the sky (Joel 2:30-31). When praying in tongues, communication with God is occurring, and thus there is transfer of information that could include a picture or emotions.

Practical Implications

In addition to side-stepping critics, viewing tongues as an encoding of information means that just a few syllables are all that’s needed. Repetitive sounds or phrases in tongues-speech are not abnormal. Further, regular grammatical form is not applicable for an encoding.

“ Viewing tongues as an encoding of information means that just a few syllables are all that’s needed. —STEPHEN SHEW

Expectations of starting to speak in a full-blown unknown language have caused much angst among some seeking Spirit baptism. Encouragement to speak a few syllables could overcome hesitancy to start speaking when receiving tongues.

Understanding tongues-speech as encoding of spiritual information brings freedom from the constraints of human language while providing a model that affirms many of the expressions of tongues that I’ve experienced and heard. As a Pentecostal, I hope this will encourage us to pray every day – in tongues!

Stephen Shew works in telecommunications in the area of international standards. He studied computer science and he has twenty granted patents. Stephen has served on the General Executive of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada since 2012. He worships at Woodvale Pentecostal Church in Ottawa where he has been an active in various ministries for many years.

You might also be interested in these posts:

• 3 Ways People Misunderstand Tongues as “Initial Evidence” of Spirit Baptism
• PAOC Clergy on Tongues and Spirit Baptism: Changing Views
• Is Speaking in Tongues Only for a Few? Only for the Gifted?

Endnotes

[1] David Hilborn, ‘Glossolalia as Communication, A Linguistic-Pragmatic Perspective’ in Mark J. Cartledge (ed.) Speaking in Tongues, Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2006), 111-122.

[2] I use the term “human language” throughout as it refers to natural language. In mathematics, formal languages are used for computing and communications, and are more precise.

[3] This is from the field of Information Theory which was significantly launched with the publication of the paper by Claude E. Shannon ‘A Mathematical Theory of Communication’ in The Bell System Technical Journal, vol 27, no. 3, 1948.

[4] Versions of Morse code have been used since 1844 and the current version is Recommendation ITU-R M.1677-1 International Morse Code, October 2009.

The post Speaking in Tongues as Encoded Spiritual Information (Non-Language) appeared first on Andrew K. Gabriel.